On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12 p.m., the Alabama State Bar will host a CLE webinar titled “Tips for a Successful AlcoholFree Month (or More).” This informative session is designed specifically for attorneys who are interested in improving their health, developing healthier habits, and gaining insight into the benefits and challenges of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Presented by Birmingham attorneys Susan N. Han and Chris Hood, both members of the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program (ALAP) Committee, this one-hour webinar will provide education, practical strategies, and encouragement for legal professionals considering a break from alcohol—whether for a month or for the longer term.
Understanding Dry January and Its Impact
Dry January is a public health campaign that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. While the concept is simple, its impact can be profound. Many participants report improved sleep, enhanced mood, more energy, better focus, and even financial benefits.
The month-long break is not just about abstinence—it’s a reset, a chance to re-evaluate habits, gain clarity, and improve mental and physical well-being. For attorneys and other professionals operating in high-pressure environments, this kind of self-care can be transformative.
Beyond physical improvements, taking a break from alcohol often leads to increased self-awareness and emotional regulation. Participants find themselves more productive at work, more present at home, and better equipped to deal with stress.
Why This Matters to the Legal Community
The legal profession is uniquely demanding. Long hours, emotional stress, and high-stakes decision-making often contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Studies consistently show that lawyers are at higher risk of substance misuse and mental health issues compared to other professions. That’s why education around wellness and prevention is so critical.
This CLE webinar was created to offer both a starting point and a support system for attorneys who want to explore a healthier path. The program will cover practical tools to help lawyers navigate the process of going alcohol-free, including how to respond to social and professional pressures, manage withdrawal symptoms, and evaluate whether long-term changes are appropriate.
Importantly, this webinar is a space free of judgment. It’s not about labeling or diagnosing—it’s about learning, growing, and making informed decisions that support a longer, healthier legal career.
Chris Hood: Leading with Integrity and Advocacy
Chris Hood, one of the webinar presenters, brings more than just legal expertise to this conversation. As a partner at Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC, Hood has built a career on advocating for others. But beyond the courtroom, he’s also committed to strengthening the legal community from within.
His involvement with the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program reflects his deep concern for lawyer well-being. The ALAP offers confidential services for attorneys and judges struggling with issues related to alcohol, drugs, stress, depression, and other personal challenges.
Chris Hood’s leadership on the ALAP Committee, combined with his recognition as a Birmingham Bar Foundation Fellow, reflects a strong commitment to service, empathy, and proactive leadership. Through his work, he helps destigmatize conversations around mental health and substance use—an important step toward culture change in the legal field.
The Role of the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program (ALAP)
The Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program is a confidential service offered through the Alabama State Bar that provides support to lawyers, judges, and law students facing behavioral health challenges. The program exists to ensure that attorneys receive help—not discipline—when they need it.
The ALAP offers a wide range of services, including peer support, interventions, monitoring, assessments, and referrals to treatment. Whether someone is dealing with alcohol dependency, depression, anxiety, or simply needs someone to talk to, the program is there to help.
For lawyers who are hesitant to seek help due to concerns about reputation or professional consequences, the confidential nature of ALAP can be a lifeline. It allows legal professionals to prioritize their well-being without fear of judgment or exposure.
This CLE webinar helps shine a light on the resources available and encourages a healthier, more open dialogue across the profession.
What to Expect from the Webinar
During this one-hour session, attorneys will receive evidence-based guidance and personal insights from two seasoned legal professionals who understand both the culture and the challenges of law practice.
Topics will include:
- Health considerations and the impact of alcohol on the body and mind
- Strategies for starting and sustaining an alcohol-free month
- How to manage withdrawal symptoms safely
- Navigating peer pressure and social expectations to drink
- Long-term wellness planning beyond January
- A review of resources available through the Alabama and Tennessee State Bars
This webinar offers more than education—it provides a roadmap for attorneys looking to improve their personal and professional lives.
Support Is Always Available
Choosing to participate in Dry January, or any alcohol-free challenge, is a personal decision. For some, it’s a way to reboot after the holidays. For others, it’s part of a broader commitment to health or recovery. Whatever the motivation, support is key.
Attorneys don’t have to do this alone. Between the Alabama Lawyer Assistance Program, professional wellness communities, and ongoing CLE opportunities like this webinar, there are many avenues for getting help, staying accountable, and maintaining momentum.
Peer support is particularly powerful in the legal field, where shared experiences and empathy can reduce stigma and increase engagement.
Register and Take the First Step
The CLE Webinar: “Tips for a Successful Alcohol-Free Month (or More)” is a meaningful way to begin the year on a positive note. Whether you’re already committed to Dry January or just curious about what a break from alcohol could look like, this session provides valuable insight, encouragement, and tools you can apply in your daily life.
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Registration is available on the BBA site with your member login.
Making space for wellness is not a distraction from your legal career—it’s a foundation for it.
